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Democrats scrutinize Moroun's Trump access

House Democrats are seeking records on Matthew Moroun's contacts with Trump officials about the Gordie Howe bridge.

News

Congressional Democrats are investigating whether <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Matthew Moroun" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/02/22/riverside-park-moroun-approved-detroit-citycouncil" data-vars-content-id="ece61150-f952-4200-a8d8-72ae403a7dde" data-vars-headline="Democrats scrutinize Moroun&#x27;s Trump access" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/02/22/riverside-park-moroun-approved-detroit-citycouncil" target="_self">Matthew Moroun</a> used his access to President Trump to protect his company&#x27;s toll revenues — and whether the Trump administration acted on Moroun&#x27;s lobbying.Why it matters: Trump&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recent threat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/10/trump-threat-gordie-howe-bridge-michigan-economy" data-vars-content-id="ece61150-f952-4200-a8d8-72ae403a7dde" data-vars-headline="Democrats scrutinize Moroun&#x27;s Trump access" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/10/trump-threat-gordie-howe-bridge-michigan-economy" target="_self">recent threat</a> to block the Gordie Howe International Bridge&#x27;s opening drew condemnation from leaders in Michigan and Canada and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="predictions of dire economic consequences" data-vars-click-url="https://bridgemi.com/business-watch/report-michigan-canada-bridge-delay-could-cost-up-to-7m-per-week/" data-vars-content-id="ece61150-f952-4200-a8d8-72ae403a7dde" data-vars-headline="Democrats scrutinize Moroun&#x27;s Trump access" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bridgemi.com/business-watch/report-michigan-canada-bridge-delay-could-cost-up-to-7m-per-week/" target="_blank">predictions of dire economic consequences</a>.

Michigan businesses face uncertainty on tariff refunds

Importers may need to sue to recover billions collected under the rejected trade law.

Now that the U.S. Supreme Court declared a large swath of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump&#x27;s tariffs illegal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-supreme-court-illegal" data-vars-content-id="16ce12e7-9ee2-47c6-85cd-47f671a163e0" data-vars-headline="Michigan businesses face uncertainty on tariff refunds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-supreme-court-illegal" target="_self">President Trump&#x27;s tariffs illegal</a>, the question is whether businesses — or everyday Americans — will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="get refunds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-states-refunds" data-vars-content-id="16ce12e7-9ee2-47c6-85cd-47f671a163e0" data-vars-headline="Michigan businesses face uncertainty on tariff refunds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-states-refunds" target="_self">get refunds</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trade Partnership Worldwide" data-vars-click-url="https://tradepartnership.com/" data-vars-content-id="16ce12e7-9ee2-47c6-85cd-47f671a163e0" data-vars-headline="Michigan businesses face uncertainty on tariff refunds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tradepartnership.com/" target="_blank">Trade Partnership Worldwide</a> estimates $126 billion is at stake.

At 43, Verlander returns to Tigers as baseball's Tom Brady

Verlander spent his first 13 seasons in Detroit and returns to a competitive roster.

Sports

Justin Verlander has long hoped to be the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tom Brady of baseball" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/26314010/justin-verlander-wants-tom-brady-baseball" data-vars-content-id="d7cf12d0-a7af-4860-bff4-377b26047cd3" data-vars-headline="At 43, Verlander returns to Tigers as baseball&#x27;s Tom Brady" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/26314010/justin-verlander-wants-tom-brady-baseball" target="_blank">Tom Brady of baseball</a> and pitch at a high-caliber level well into his 40s.Why it matters: His return to Comerica Park gives the Detroit Tigers legend a chance to keep that dream going.

First sip: Good old strangeness at The Dovetail in Warren

Axios Detroit is visiting coffee shops around the region to find our faves.

Food and Drink

👋 Annalise here! Joe and I will be trying out coffee shops across the region to see which have the best flavors, ambiance and conditions for remote work.First up, my visit to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Dovetail" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/thedovetaildetroit/" data-vars-content-id="0e693b86-ae1b-461a-8bf0-0d371e0963ca" data-vars-headline="First sip: Good old strangeness at The Dovetail in Warren" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/thedovetaildetroit/" target="_blank">The Dovetail</a>, a very chill, very odd cafe in Warren.

Rx Kids opens cash aid for new Detroit mothers

The program provides monthly cash to mothers during pregnancy and families with newborns.

Health

Applications opened Monday for a unique local program giving new mothers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cash assistance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/10/29/detroit-mayor-cash-plans-families" data-vars-content-id="f81f47ab-e2de-40d4-b673-ebe81d3385ee" data-vars-headline="Rx Kids opens cash aid for new Detroit mothers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/10/29/detroit-mayor-cash-plans-families" target="_self">cash assistance</a> without strings attached.Why it matters: Bringing Rx Kids to Detroit is an early move in new Mayor Mary Sheffield&#x27;s goal to make <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="progress on childhood poverty" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/28/luke-shaefer-anti-poverty-program-city" data-vars-content-id="f81f47ab-e2de-40d4-b673-ebe81d3385ee" data-vars-headline="Rx Kids opens cash aid for new Detroit mothers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/28/luke-shaefer-anti-poverty-program-city" target="_self">progress on childhood poverty</a>.

Rethinking our relationships with sugar

A lifelong dessert fiend has committed to reducing their sugar intake in 2026 and is far from alone.

👋 Annalise here. In my <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2025 series" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/02/18/dearborn-desserts-waffle-to-end-all-waffles" data-vars-content-id="fb09b446-45d5-49e6-a0eb-81fde49344bf" data-vars-headline="Rethinking our relationships with sugar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/02/18/dearborn-desserts-waffle-to-end-all-waffles" target="_self">2025 series</a> trying Dearborn&#x27;s most mouthwatering desserts, I fell hard for the Dubai chocolate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="strawberry cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/03/14/dearborn-desserts-a-cup-the-internet-loves" data-vars-content-id="fb09b446-45d5-49e6-a0eb-81fde49344bf" data-vars-headline="Rethinking our relationships with sugar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/03/14/dearborn-desserts-a-cup-the-internet-loves" target="_self">strawberry cup</a>, the sweet-savory <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cheese dome" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/05/28/dearborn-desserts-the-iconic-cheese-dome" data-vars-content-id="fb09b446-45d5-49e6-a0eb-81fde49344bf" data-vars-headline="Rethinking our relationships with sugar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/05/28/dearborn-desserts-the-iconic-cheese-dome" target="_self">cheese dome</a> and traditional <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="baklava" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/03/03/dearborn-desserts-ramadan-begins" data-vars-content-id="fb09b446-45d5-49e6-a0eb-81fde49344bf" data-vars-headline="Rethinking our relationships with sugar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/03/03/dearborn-desserts-ramadan-begins" target="_self">baklava</a>.Yes, but: All those midday treats are now merely long-ago love affairs to play through my mind on repeat during the dark, lonely hours, like an elderly bachelor reflecting on his Casanova youth.

Metro Detroit senior apartments to get fresh food pantries

Metro Food Rescue is trying out a new program: stocking fridges in affordable housing complexes.

Metro Food Rescue is trying out a new way to bring food directly to those who need it: stocking community fridges in their apartment buildings.Why it matters: Transportation and time can be obstacles for older people trying to access food pantries and other resources.

Flu season hits Michigan hard as hospitalizations rise

A rise in flu cases is hitting as schools and workplaces reopen following the holidays.

Flu cases are spiking in southeast Michigan, just as the holiday season ends and people are headed back to work and school.The big picture: An unprecedented rise in flu cases comes as other sicknesses — such as the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="winter vomiting bug" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/24/norovirus-winter-vomiting-bug-variant-symptoms" data-vars-content-id="bcb24daa-fe4a-44e6-b1cb-b189cd696a17" data-vars-headline="Flu season hits Michigan hard as hospitalizations rise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/24/norovirus-winter-vomiting-bug-variant-symptoms" target="_self">winter vomiting bug</a>,&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="COVID" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/health/coronavirus" data-vars-content-id="bcb24daa-fe4a-44e6-b1cb-b189cd696a17" data-vars-headline="Flu season hits Michigan hard as hospitalizations rise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/health/coronavirus" target="_self">COVID</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="whooping cough" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/28/whooping-cough-pertussis-symptoms-cases-november-kentucky" data-vars-content-id="bcb24daa-fe4a-44e6-b1cb-b189cd696a17" data-vars-headline="Flu season hits Michigan hard as hospitalizations rise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/28/whooping-cough-pertussis-symptoms-cases-november-kentucky" target="_self">whooping cough</a> — are slamming the United States this winter.

Pilates reigned as Metro Detroit's top 2025 workout

Yoga and strength training are also top exercise types.

Culture

Metro Detroit&#x27;s top workout this year was Pilates, according to ClassPass data shared with Axios.The big picture: We&#x27;re not bucking the national trend on this one. Across the country, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pilates was the top" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/08/pilates-classpass-functional-fitness-popular" data-vars-content-id="a486a006-f55b-43da-8fa6-b75dc5fd518d" data-vars-headline="Pilates reigned as Metro Detroit&#x27;s top 2025 workout" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/08/pilates-classpass-functional-fitness-popular" target="_self">Pilates was the top</a> fitness format — just like last year and the year prior — increasing 66% year over year, per workout reservation app <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ClassPass" data-vars-click-url="https://classpass.com/blog/2025-classpass-look-back-report/" data-vars-content-id="a486a006-f55b-43da-8fa6-b75dc5fd518d" data-vars-headline="Pilates reigned as Metro Detroit&#x27;s top 2025 workout" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://classpass.com/blog/2025-classpass-look-back-report/" target="_blank">ClassPass</a>.

Cold weather tips to keep your pets safe

A vet shares signs of hypothermia and tips for walking dogs safely in the snow.

Winter&#x27;s grip is tightening around Metro Detroit and our furry friends are feeling the chill, too.Why it matters: Winter can be tougher on pets than many owners realize, Royal Oak veterinarian Lauren Zeid tells Axios Detroit.

Detroit and Michigan face challenges with preterm birth rate

A new March of Dimes report shows stark disparities in infant health.

Michigan&#x27;s rate of babies born preterm has steadily increased over the past decade, and Detroit has the highest rate of any major U.S. city, per an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="annual report from March of Dimes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.marchofdimes.org/peristats/reports/michigan/report-card" data-vars-content-id="2aaf903c-64ff-4365-93bf-2489cde23c95" data-vars-headline="Detroit and Michigan face challenges with preterm birth rate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.marchofdimes.org/peristats/reports/michigan/report-card" target="_blank">annual report from March of Dimes</a>.Why it matters: The report underscores where the biggest gaps persist in equity, access and maternal care.

Botox gets younger, louder, and more mainstream

More young people are getting Botox and talking openly about it.

Botox patients are getting younger and they&#x27;re less shy about discussing their treatments, industry professionals tell Axios.The big picture: The Botox gap between millennials and Gen X <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="is shrinking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/01/botox-trends-millennials-gen-x-boomers" data-vars-content-id="5f9d1d5f-b04d-4af0-899d-c3763aedf395" data-vars-headline="Botox gets younger, louder, and more mainstream" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/01/botox-trends-millennials-gen-x-boomers" target="_self">is shrinking</a>, according to Qsight data shared with Axios.

Proposal looks to ban chewing tobacco, Zyn at pro stadiums

An advocacy group wants to sever the link between baseball and tobacco, and stop kids from taking it up.

A new City Council proposal would ban chewing tobacco and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zyn nicotine pouches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/05/zyn-nicotine-pouches-philip-morris-international" data-vars-content-id="4c3d8ec8-3adb-4226-8479-f02bbeeeadcb" data-vars-headline="Proposal looks to ban chewing tobacco, Zyn at pro stadiums" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/05/zyn-nicotine-pouches-philip-morris-international" target="_self">Zyn nicotine pouches</a> at Comerica Park and other Detroit pro sports stadiums.Why it matters: It&#x27;s part of a national effort driven by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Knock Tobacco Out of the Park" data-vars-click-url="https://tobaccofreebaseball.org/" data-vars-content-id="4c3d8ec8-3adb-4226-8479-f02bbeeeadcb" data-vars-headline="Proposal looks to ban chewing tobacco, Zyn at pro stadiums" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tobaccofreebaseball.org/" target="_blank">Knock Tobacco Out of the Park</a> to sever the long-standing link between baseball and chewing tobacco.

Fall COVID vaccines are arriving amid conflicting guidance

Michigan's health department continues to recommend the COVID vaccine for all people 6 months and older.

With conflicting guidance, it&#x27;s hard to keep up with where this fall&#x27;s COVID-19 vaccine stands for Michiganders.The big picture: The Trump administration&#x27;s revised vaccine policies under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have prompted <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="confusion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/18/rfk-vaccine-confusion-back-to-school" data-vars-content-id="65f4df97-3a37-4af1-9660-fc0a3c3217ac" data-vars-headline="Fall COVID vaccines are arriving amid conflicting guidance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/18/rfk-vaccine-confusion-back-to-school" target="_self">confusion</a> among some parents and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="objections from doctors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/07/doctors-lawsuit-rfk-covid-vaccine-recommendation" data-vars-content-id="65f4df97-3a37-4af1-9660-fc0a3c3217ac" data-vars-headline="Fall COVID vaccines are arriving amid conflicting guidance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/07/doctors-lawsuit-rfk-covid-vaccine-recommendation" target="_self">objections from doctors</a>.

💉 Measuring measles vaccinations 

Measuring measles vaccinations in Michigan

A map showing the MMR or overall vaccination rates for U.S. kindergarteners by county from either 2023 or 2024. Only 815 counties have reached the herd immunity threshold of at least 95% of their students vaccinated. Vaccination rates were most consistently high in New England states, Arkansas, California and Texas. 

Health 🩺

Rx Kids opens cash aid for new Detroit mothers

Rethinking our relationships with sugar

Measuring measles vaccinations in Michigan

Metro Detroit senior apartments to get fresh food pantries

Flu season hits Michigan hard as hospitalizations rise